is a seminal self-released project, originally recorded and distributed by the artist around
, played by Dwele himself, adding a smoky jazz-club atmosphere to the tracks.
His life took a profound turn at the age of ten when his father was fatally shot outside their home. Music became his therapy, as he later reflected: "I learned to put my emotions into music; it was my therapy". This emotional depth, channeled through the influences of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Miles Davis, and hip-hop innovators like A Tribe Called Quest, would become the cornerstone of his soulful sound.
In the late 1990s, Dwele was working quietly in Detroit, crafting a unique sound that bridged the gap between hip-hop production and vocal soul. Unlike the heavy, sample-driven hip-hop dominating the airwaves at the time, Dwele’s music was jazzy, vibrant, and, as noted in The Culture Crypt , often took significant gaps and detours from traditional hip-hop structure.
If you're a fan of Dwele or just looking for some smooth R&B vibes, "Rize" is definitely worth checking out! Dwele- Rize full album 32
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: A vibrant, understated track that became a fan favorite.
J Dilla’s chopped, off-kilter drum programming was reshaping hip-hop.
Dwele, comprised of keyboardist/producer Andrew 'Jogi' Dawson and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Kwanza W. Coleman (aka Kon-Tay), have been working together since 1998. Their early work garnered significant attention in Detroit and eventually earned them a record deal with Bobsled Records. Following their debut album 'Subject to Change' in 2000, Dwele built a loyal fanbase and started gaining mainstream attention. is a seminal self-released project, originally recorded and
Rize functions as an unhurried, intimate window into Dwele’s creative genius. He wrote, produced, and performed the majority of the instrumentation himself. The tracklist blends the raw, unpolished energy of late-'90s hip-hop beats with the sophisticated chord progressions of classic modal jazz:
The Genesis of Neo-Soul Royalty: Looking Back at Dwele’s Rize
The Rize was much more than a demo; it was a statement of intent. Dwele would go on to a major-label debut, Subject , which critics noted was essentially a "revamped version of his actual debut, a self-produced, self-distributed 1998 release, Rize ".
A track that leans heavily into the influence of 1970s songwriting. The acoustic guitar elements give it a folk-soul texture. It’s breezy and lighter than the rest of the record, showing his versatility. It feels like a dedication to the "natural woman," free-spirited and untamed. This emotional depth, channeled through the influences of
This is a standout moment on the album. Dwele digs into the crates for a soul-sample vibe, singing about the comfort and safety of an established love compared to the thrill of a new fling. The hook is infectious, and the saxophone accents give it a "quiet storm" radio classic feel. It’s nostalgic yet fresh.
Critics and fans alike view Rize as a high-personality precursor to his more polished commercial works. It is celebrated for its authenticity and "classic Dwele irony," maintaining a 4/5 star reputation among R&B enthusiasts for its ability to set a romantic, intimate mood. Dwele – Rize - Discogs
Rize is a masterclass in atmosphere. The album feels like a lazy Sunday morning, or a late-night drive through a city that never sleeps. The production is minimalist, often featuring a simple drum pattern, a bassline, and Dwele’s ethereal vocals layered over top. Here are some of the standout elements of the album: